TCI grades Clemson’s performance by position in Saturday’s 43-24 win over Georgia Tech…
Quarterbacks: A-
Deshaun Watson was brilliant in Saturday’s game, completing 70 percent of his passes. He was able to navigate the defense with efficiency and precision with every type of throw. His only mistake came on an interception where he failed to locate the middle linebacker. Even given a deduction for that miscue, Nick Schuessler’s few pass attempts showcased some previously unseen arm strength on deep balls. He gave the position a boost.
Running Backs: A
Clemson really didn’t run the ball as much as it had previously, but Wayne Gallman maximized his productivity. The sophomore had a long touchdown run right at the start of the game and finished with more than 100 yards. Zac Brooks had a couple of nice runs in relief of Gallman, perhaps solidifying himself as the backup running back after several weeks with no clarity there. Several other backs played, as well, as Clemson got to highlight its depth in the backfield late in the game.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: A-
Jordan Leggett was the offensive star. By the time the game was in hand, he had four catches, half of which went for touchdowns. The tight end’s highlight reel came in the first half, while freshman wideout Deon Cain’s came in the second. Cain led the Tigers in catches and yards and displayed downfield playmaking ability the offense has sorely lacked. There were no glaring issues with the group as a whole, as only a couple of missed opportunities appeared during the game.
Offensive Line: A-
This is a tough one to call because the first unit was great, while the backups left much to be desired. It’s no secret depth is not a strength on the offensive line, but Justin Falcinelli’s poor snap led directly to a Yellow Jacket touchdown. Yes, he is the third-team center, but that kind of snafu cannot happen up front. The starting unit, however, was very good. Tech’s defensive line includes several playmakers, and the Tigers neutralized them for the vast majority of the game—both running and passing.
Defensive Line: A+
If defensive linemen can get off of blocks, they can beat any interior runs included in a triple option attack. Time and time again, the Clemson front four muscled into the backfield to disrupt Justin Thomas and the Yellow Jacket offense. Three different linemen registered a tackle for loss in the game, and tackle Scott Pagano tied for third on the Clemson defense with six tackles. The option can thrive if the front line is not prepared, and this group did not let that happen.
Linebackers: A
Other than a coverage bust where B.J. Goodson probably needed to run with a streaking receiver up the seam, this group played an impeccable game. Dorian O’Daniel had what might have been his best game as a Tiger. He was as disruptive as anyone on the field, totaling three tackles for loss among his seven stops in the game. Ben Boulware led the squad with nine tackles, and Goodson was very good at the line of scrimmage.
Defensive Backs: A
This group will take some flak for a pair of so-called “coverage busts”, but Brent Venables took credit for the second one, and Goodson seemed to be the guilty party on the first. Bottom line: When a group of defensive backs allows a team to complete fewer than half of its passes, it’s a good day. Jayron Kearse was an absolute man-child out on the field, stopping the option single-handedly on a couple of occasions. Mackensie Alexander was outstanding in coverage, and Cordrea Tankersley was tough to throw against, as well.
Special Teams: A
Kickoffs were still an issue in terms of depth, but the coverage was much better than expected against a dangerous return team. Both Greg Huegel and Ammon Lakip hammered home field goals, and Andy Teasdall averaged 45 yards per punt. The return teams weren’t horrible, either, and field position was never an issue for the Tigers in the game.